Cesarean section is often chosen by pregnant women because it can be planned and is not as painful as a normal delivery. However, there are still many who are afraid of this operation. In fact, if there are indications and carried out according to the doctor's advice, caesarean section may be safer than normal delivery.
Every pregnant woman needs to undergo an obstetrical examination to a doctor or midwife regularly so that the health condition of her body and fetus can be monitored. Through this examination, the doctor can suggest the right delivery steps, namely normal delivery or by caesarean section.
Reasons for a Caesarean
Some pregnant women may choose to have a cesarean section even though they have the option of having a vaginal delivery. In this case, the choice of caesarean section is elective or not mandatory.
However, on the other hand, there are certain conditions that make pregnant women required to give birth by caesarean section. The following are some of the conditions or diseases in question:
- The size of the baby is too big, while the size of the mother's pelvis is small
- Abnormalities in the fetus, such as spina bifida, fetal distress, or the baby is wrapped in the umbilical cord
- Twins or conjoined twins
- The position of the fetus is breech or transverse
- Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hypertension in pregnancy
- Placental disorders, such as placenta previa
- Infections in pregnant women, such as genital herpes, hepatitis B, or HIV
- Long labor
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Mother suffers from certain diseases, such as heart disease, severe minus eyes, or retinal disorders
In addition, pregnant women who have given birth by caesarean section before may be advised to give birth by caesarean again.
Caesarean Operation Procedure
Giving birth by caesarean section means removing the baby through an incision from the mother's abdomen, not from the vagina. Before surgery, the doctor will give you an anesthetic or an epidural anesthetic to numb the area of the abdomen to be cut. However, in certain cases, doctors can also give general anesthesia.
After the anesthetic has worked, the doctor begins to perform a cesarean section by making an incision in the abdomen and uterine muscles, then slowly removing the baby. This procedure usually does not take long and not even a matter of hours until the baby is finally delivered.
Risks of giving birth by Caesarean section
Although caesarean section is a procedure that is quite commonly performed and is considered safe, this surgery is a major type of surgery that still carries risks. This is why doctors do not recommend this procedure for all cases.
The following are some of the risks of giving birth by cesarean section that you need to know:
- Postoperative pain, especially at the incision
- Infections, for example in surgical incisions, urinary tract, or uterine wall
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Heavy bleeding, so you need to get a blood transfusion
- Side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches
- The appearance of scars or scar tissue on the abdomen and uterus
- Breast milk production is inhibited or reduced
In addition, some research also states that mothers who have given birth by caesarean section are more at risk of developing problems with the placenta, such as placenta previa or placenta accreta, in subsequent pregnancies.
In addition, caesarean section is also known to affect the immune system of newborns. This can occur due to lack of exposure to bacteria in the vagina that can stimulate the initial reaction of the immune system in the baby.
However, you do not need to worry because this can be overcome by providing nutrition through breast milk. Breast milk contains complete nutrition, including prebiotics and probiotics.
These two nutrients, also called synbiotics, are known to restore the balance of microbiota in the digestive tract so that they can support the baby's immune system.
Tips After Undergoing C-section
The pain experienced by pregnant women after undergoing a cesarean section usually only lasts for a few weeks and will gradually improve with recovery.
To support the recovery process after a cesarean section, there are several things you need to do, including:
1. Avoid strenuous physical activity
During recovery, you will need adequate rest and sleep to recharge. You are advised not to lift a lot of heavy objects or do strenuous physical activities, such as cycling, running, aerobics, sit ups, and other vigorous exercise for at least 6 weeks.
You can return to activities as usual, if you have been declared recovered and healthy by the doctor.
2. Try to walk slowly around the room
After a cesarean section, you will feel pain when walking. However, try to walk little by little. By walking, you can improve blood flow and prevent constipation and blood clots.
3. Don't have sex for some time
While still undergoing the postoperative recovery phase, you should not have sex for a few weeks. However, you can return to sex after the surgical wound has healed and your condition has been declared healthy by the doctor.
4. Take good care of the caesarean section wounds and stitches
Clean the wound every day with warm water and soap, then dry it with a clean towel by patting it gently. In order not to cause irritation and pain in the wound, choose a soap made from mild chemicals or without fragrance.
Cover the wound with gauze, if the wound is wet or rubs against clothing. Change the gauze regularly every day. Always keep the wound clean and dry.
While recovering after a cesarean section, you also need to drink enough water and eat nutritious foods so that your body gets enough energy and nutrition. It is also important to support milk production.
If you and the fetus are in good condition during pregnancy, the method of normal delivery or caesarean section can be your own consideration. However, if you have certain conditions or diseases, a cesarean section may be the only option that is best for you and your baby.
If you are still unsure about choosing the right delivery method or want to make sure if your condition allows for a cesarean delivery, consult an obstetrician.
The doctor will determine the delivery method that is suitable for the condition of your pregnancy and the fetus, so that the delivery process remains safe and does not cause health problems in the future.